Can ear wax cause hearing loss?
When we think about hearing loss, we naturally typically associate it with a symptom of ageing or prolonged exposure to loud noises. However, there’s one thing we all have in common that can also impact our ability to hear, and that’s our ear wax.
Now, there are many factors at play that can dictate the impact that ear wax has on our hearing because whilst it’s vital for our ear health it can become a problem if left unmanaged.
In this blog, we’ll talk about how a build-up of ear wax is one of the leading causes of temporary hearing loss. First, let’s cover the basics….
What is ear wax, and why do we have it?
Ear wax is medically known as cerumen, and is a natural substance produced by the glands in the ear canal. It’s something we all have and despite procedures like ear wax removal existing, wax in our ears is something that we need.
It’s our ear’s built-in defence system that works to protect us in many ways, such as:
- Trapping dirt and debris: Sticky in nature, ear wax acts as a barrier to catch any dust, dirt, and other tiny particles that might otherwise travel too far into our ear canal. If it wasn’t for ear wax, these types of harmful substances could reach the eardrum and damage it or deeper parts of the ear.
- Provides moisture to the ear canal: The presence of ear wax helps us to maintain moisture inside the ear canal, preventing the skin inside the ear from becoming dry, cracked, and prone to irritation or infections. Speaking of which…
- Fights off infections: Ear wax contains antimicrobial and antifungal properties that help to protect the ear from infections. As bacteria and fungi thrive in warm, dark environments such as the ear canal, this is especially important.
In summary, ear wax is essentially like a shield for your ears, preventing harmful substances from causing any damage. That being said, like most things, too much of a good thing can cause problems down the line. Excessive earwax can become impacted, creating a blockage and leading to problems such as hearing loss, which we’ll discuss a bit later on.
The difference in ear wax from person to person
Whilst ear wax is something that we all have in common, the production of it actually varies widely between individuals. Some people naturally produce more wax than others, and certain genetic or environmental factors can influence how much we produce.
For example, those who live in dusty or dirty environments may find their ears producing more wax as a defence mechanism. Similarly, hormonal changes or increased hair growth in the ear canal can also contribute to wax build-up.
This is why some people may need to undergo frequent ear wax removal appointments yet for others, it may never cause problems.
How can ear wax cause hearing loss?
It’s no secret that there are many different causes of hearing loss, and ear wax is usually listed as one of them. But, can ear wax really lead to hearing loss? The short answer is yes, but the good news is that it’s usually temporary.
The way ear wax works is that it naturally moves out of the ear canal on its own, usually pushed along by the motion of your jaw when you talk or chew. However, sometimes ear wax can build up and harden, leading to what’s called impacted ear wax.
If a person has ear wax that becomes impacted, it can significantly affect their ability to hear in the following ways:
- Blocking the sound pathways: Impacted ear wax physically blocks the ear canal, preventing sound waves from travelling to the eardrum. This can lead to conductive hearing loss, where the ability to conduct sound through the ear is reduced and hearing may sound muffled or distant.
- Pressure in the ear: A blockage caused by impacted wax can create a feeling of fullness or pressure in the ear. This can not only dampen sound but also make it uncomfortable to hear loud noises, resulting in a reduced auditory perception.
- Damaging ear health over time: A prolonged build-up of ear wax can lead to infections or irritation in the ear canal. Any form of swelling, discharge, and additional blockages may worsen hearing difficulties.
- Causing secondary issues like tinnitus: Excessive ear wax can press against the eardrum, often leading to tinnitus. This is where an individual may hear persistent ringing, buzzing, or hissing sounds in the ear, making it harder to focus on the sounds around them.
If impacted ear wax is causing some degree of hearing loss, it’s not uncommon for this to be mistaken for a more serious issue. For example, it may cause worry about age-related hearing loss or more severe neurological problems when, in reality, the issue is a simple blockage.
As we mentioned earlier, hearing loss caused by earwax is usually temporary and the degree of hearing loss caused will depend on how much of the ear canal is blocked. This will vary from person to person but in some cases, even a small amount of impacted wax can cause significant symptoms, particularly if it’s close to the eardrum.
More often than not, this can easily be resolved by earwax removal which should provide instant relief with hearing ability returning. It’s important to note that ear wax removal should always be performed by a fully qualified audiologist to ensure its safety and effectiveness. If you’re local to London, visit a Harley Street Hearing clinic for the highest standard of care.
Risk factors for ear wax-induced hearing loss
So, now we know that some people may be more prone to this condition than others, but why? Simply put, there are a few important factors that can determine whether or not an individual is more susceptible to ear wax build-up. These include:
- Narrow or curved ear canals: Some people may naturally have smaller or uniquely shaped ear canals, which can make it more difficult for wax to move out of the ear on its own.
- The use of hearing aids or earbuds: Continually using devices that sit in the ear can act as barriers, trapping wax inside the ear canal and preventing it from moving outward. Over time, this can lead to impacted wax.
- Ageing: As we age, the glands within the ear change which can lead to ear wax becoming drier and harder, making it more likely to build up and lead to impaction. At the same time, the hairs in our ear canal become coarser which increases the risk of impaction.
- Hormonal changes: Stages in life such as pregnancy or menopause cause hormonal fluctuations which can impact the amount of ear wax produced and the consistency of it.
- Genetic factors: Our genetic makeup determines the type, amount and consistency of ear wax we produce. Some may produce wax that is naturally drier or stickier, increasing the risk of build-up.
- Using cotton buds: Those who try to clean their ears at home with cotton buds may find that they’re more prone to blockages as they are unintentionally pushing wax deeper into the ear canal.
Naturally, a lot of the above factors are out of our control when it comes to preventing ear wax-induced hearing loss, but there are still some steps that can be taken to look after your ears and reduce the risk.
Tips for healthy ear wax management
Not only can a build-up of earwax lead to short-term hearing loss, but it can also be uncomfortable. Here are a few tips to help look after your ears:
- Use ear protection wisely: If you’re an avid user of hearing protection or hearing aids, take regular breaks and clean your devices often to reduce the risk of wax build-up.
- Avoid cotton buds: As mentioned above, cleaning your ears with cotton buds can do more harm than good. You’ll risk pushing wax closer to the eardrum and potentially cause infections. If you do want to clean your ears, however, you can safely clear the outer part with a damp cloth – just avoid placing anything into the ear canal.
- Let them be: In most cases, your ears will clean themselves and there’s nothing you need to do!
- Stay healthy: Like most things, our ear health can be determined by how well we take care of ourselves. Proper hydration and overall health can influence ear wax production, so drink plenty of water and maintain a healthy diet.
- Get professional ear wax removal: If you’re prone to ear wax build-up, get regular check-ups with an audiologist to prevent problems before they arise.
When should you see an audiologist?
If you suspect an ear wax build-up and are struggling with hearing loss or other related symptoms, we urge you to book an appointment with an audiologist.
Signs it’s time to take this step may include:
- Persistent hearing loss that isn’t improving
- Pain or discomfort in the ear
- Dizziness or balance issues
- Tinnitus
- A feeling of fullness that doesn’t go away
It’s important to remember that you shouldn’t try to address these types of problems at home. An audiologist uses specialised equipment to assess what’s happening in your ears and approach the problem with safe and gentle solutions such as microsuction or ear irrigation.
Harley Street Hearing’s team of clinical audiologists can provide same-day ear wax removal appointments at four clinics across London. Call us on 020 7486 1053 or contact us online to book an appointment.
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